An international presence in health research

FRSQ now a partner of ERA-NET NEURON, a European Research Network

Montréal, May 26, 2009 – The Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ) is pleased to announce that as of June 1^st it will be a full partner of one of Europe's research networks, namely, ERA-NET, as part of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7). ERA-NET NEURON, the first network in which FRSQ is a full-fledged partner, focuses on neurosciences and mental health. FRSQ has the distinction of being the first Québec Fund to be included in a ERA-NET.

"This initiative is consistent with our strategy for putting Québec health research on the Canadian and international map," said FRSQ President and CEO Yves Joanette. "The goal here is to keep our best neuroscience researchers and attract new ones by offering them access to an impressive network of European colleagues."

Dr Howard Bergman, FRSQ's Vice-President and Scientific Director, sees the Fonds' active participation in ERA-NET NEURON as a way of empowering the Québec researchers involved in any of the FRSQ's 18 networks to enter the European arena and reap the benefits of a unique setting for collaborative research through open calls for proposals. A response to the calls for proposal is not mandatory.

ERA-NET is a European initiative aimed at supporting the coordination of research programs between European countries. It is primarily intended for national or local research funding agencies and concentrates on a series of themes chosen by the partners, with an emphasis on the areas that mesh with FP7 priorities.

Partner agencies within ERA-NET provide financial support for collaborative research from their own research budgets and according to their own rules of funding. By being part of ERA-NET NEURON, FRSQ can more easily exchange information with European funding agencies about their activities, evaluation procedures and funding philosophy in order to enhance the standards of member countries.

About ERA-NET NEURON

About the FRSQ
The Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ), which reports to the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, supports health research in order to foster the well-being of Quebecers. Its mandate is to promote and provide funding for research, to disseminate knowledge, and to contribute to training, as well as to establish partnerships crucial to the development of Québec’s research and innovation system and its international reach.
Web site: www.frsq.gouv.qc.ca

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Source:
Michelle Dubuc, M.Sc.
Communications Manager
Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ)
Telephone: (514) 873-2114, ext. 235